Cloud engineer
What does a cloud engineer do?
A cloud engineer builds and looks after the systems that organisations rely on, including cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. They set up servers, storage, networks and security controls, move applications and data across from older systems, and automate the work so environments can be rebuilt reliably. Much of the job is keeping things running well – watching performance, controlling cost, patching and hardening systems, and fixing problems when something breaks.
Cloud engineers work in software and technology companies, banks and insurers, telecommunications providers, government agencies, and consulting firms that manage cloud environments for clients. Some sit inside a platform or infrastructure team supporting developers, while others specialise in security, networking or cost management. The work is office based or remote, and often includes an on-call roster.
Is a career as a cloud engineer right for me?
A career in cloud engineering may suit you if you like understanding how systems fit together and you enjoy the problem-solving that comes with keeping them stable. You need solid technical skills, care with detail, and the patience to work through a fault until you find the cause.
Skills and attributes that suit this career include:
An ability to manage change positively and perform effectively in changing environments.
An ability to analyse and interpret information.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, supported by strong interpersonal skills.
A sound awareness and understanding of industry and trends.
Problem-solving and decision-making
The ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and make informed decisions.
Proficiency in using technology, digital tools, and relevant software.
How to become cloud engineer
Most cloud engineers hold a bachelor degree in information technology, computer science or a related field, and build strength in networking, systems and security. Hands-on practice matters just as much. Employers look for people who have built and broken things in a real cloud environment, so personal projects and free platform tiers count for a lot alongside your degree.
Every journey to study is individual, and there are several paths into cloud engineering. A common career path could be:
- Complete a bachelor degree in information technology, computer science or a related field.
- Build a foundation in networking, operating systems, security and databases.
- Learn scripting and automation, and practise building environments on a major cloud platform.
- Gain experience in a support, systems or networking role, then move towards cloud work.
- Consider vendor certifications such as AWS, Azure or Google Cloud as you specialise.
Accreditation and qualifications
There is no licence required to work as a cloud engineer, and employers weigh practical skill heavily. UniSQ's Bachelor of Information Technology is accredited at professional level by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and recognised internationally through the Seoul Accord.
Vendor certifications from AWS, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud are optional, and many engineers add them once they know which platform they want to specialise in.
How long does it take to become cloud engineer?
A Bachelor of Information Technology takes three years of full-time study, or longer if you study part-time. The degree builds practical capability in cloud technologies, cyber security, data and AI, and the Networking and Cyber Security major lets you focus on the network and security foundations that cloud work is built on.
Most people then spend a few years in a support, systems administration or networking role before moving into a dedicated cloud position. How quickly you get there depends on the hands-on experience you build and the platform you choose to go deep on.
Start your journey with UniSQ
Build the networking, security and systems skills a cloud career runs on, with practical capability in cloud technologies, cyber security, data and AI, and expertise in the design, configuration and security of networks.
Responsibilities and work settings
Designing and building cloud infrastructure on platforms such as AWS, Azure or Google Cloud.
Migrating applications, data and services from on-premises systems to the cloud.
Automating deployment and configuration with scripts and infrastructure as code.
Monitoring performance, availability and cost, and tuning environments to suit.
Applying security controls, access rules and backup and recovery plans.
Cloud computing and IT infrastructure organisations
Cybersecurity firms and security operations centres
Data analytics and artificial intelligence organisations
Software development and technology companies
Government agencies, departments and councils
Accounting, consulting and professional services firms
Banks and financial institutions
Telecommunications providers
Cloud engineer FAQs
The pay for cloud engineers varies with experience, platform and employer. Engineers with deep experience on a major platform commonly earn more.
View the salary information on this page for more information.
Cloud engineering suits people who enjoy technical problem-solving and want work that spans almost every industry. It offers clear progression into architecture, security and platform leadership. Demand for cloud skills has grown as organisations move systems and data onto cloud platforms, and cloud, security and automation skills are among the harder ones for employers to fill.
A UniSQ Bachelor of Information Technology, with its grounding in cloud technologies and a Networking and Cyber Security major, gives you the technical base to start.
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